I hesitate to add to this thread because, according to the rules, the topic is not permitted. However, since the rules have been ignored for a long time, I will put in my two cents worth. There have been several suggestions that we have two separate lists, one for rare birds and one for other discussion. Excuse me, but we do have two places to post. When this list was initiated it was intended as a forum for relaying sightings of birds that others might want to see, not necessarily rare birds, but unusual ones. It was not intended for people to report their yard birds. When Ned Keller became the list owner for OOS, he made an effort to enforce the stated rules for posting, and for other discussions he created the Ohio Birding Forum. http://www.ohiobirds.org/forum/index.php This web site is ideal for all the discussions, and includes a section for new birders, one for bird identification, and others. It is a great place for such discussions. For a few weeks, Ned attempted to redirect people to the Forum when appropriate, but suddenly he stopped and allowed anyone to post almost anything on the listserv. (I don't know why, although I have my suspicions.) The Forum is now greatly underused, but it is a great place for the various types of discussions mentioned in this thread, including of course this thread. I should also mention Rarebird.org http://www.rarebird.org/forum/default.asp I believe that web site is sponsored by the Toledo Naturalists Association, but has some following throughout the state. It is another option as a place for discussions. I would suggest that any further posts regarding this thread be made on the Ohio Birding Forum. Gene Stauffer Grove City ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]